Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health announced on April 8 that Brian Hanft has been named its new director.

Brian Hanft, Director, Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health

For the last 17 years, Hanft has been the Environmental Health Service manager for the department and previously was its deputy director. He also is the SHL Public Health Ambassador.

“Congratulations to Mr. Hanft on his new position,” said SHL Director Mike Pentella. “He has been a valued partner of SHL’s for many years and serves on SHL’s Board of External Advisors. I look forward to our continued partnership in this new role.”

Hanft holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Planning and a master’s in Public Health Administration. Prior to joining Cerro Gordo County, Hanft worked for the Black Hawk County Department of Public Health and Polk County Environmental Health.

Hanft will be taking over the Director of Public Health position after long-time Director Ron Osterholm retired last week with over 30 years of service.